Airlines Confidential Podcast

This week: Chris Sloan reports on the unique history of Braniff; Plus: Impact of shutdown on an already unacceptable FAA understaffing situation; Southwest's Bob Jordan goes to Denver; NYT reporter David Brooks' $78 Newark lunch; Listener topics: Odds of SWA pulling out of Oakland, "Slots" at EWR.

This week: Dave Holtz, Chairman of Operations, Wheels Up. Also: Attention Media! It wasn't a "plunge"; Big changes to Delta's frequent flyer program - who might benefit? Austin TX announces 10 year expansion plan; American, Frontier, JetBlue cut earning estimates; Smaller airlines running late more often; Pilot commuting & related issues.

This week: Scott Mayerowitz, Founder, GlobeTrotScott Strategies; Remembering 9/11; Michael Whitaker nominated for FAA Chair; Delta hires Tom Brady; SWA, United, Alaska fuel price warnings; Qantas CEO retires abruptly, Potential FAA rulemaking would hurt charter operators; Listener input: Saturday night stay requirement still alive.

This week, the podcast covers a wide range of topics, such as the Zozobra event in Santa Fe, flight caps in Mexico City and Amsterdam, American Airlines' fine for tarmac delays, Delta's success strategy, and Allegiant's addition of Johnny Walker Blue to their menu. They also discuss flight attendant training, threats from robot pilots, and the role and responsibilities of flight attendants and pilots.

Aviation expert and journalist Scott McCartney joins the show to discuss the critical need for a 'Second Manhattan Project' at the FAA, addressing issues like ATC safety problems and staffing shortages. The hosts also cover turbulent weather patterns across America, fares and fees in a Spirit/JetBlue post-merger world, a comprehensive story on near misses, and why public anger towards airlines is stronger than other industries.

Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), discusses the transformation of CVG from a Delta hub to a diversified airport. They also talk about the launch of a new government-run airline in Mexico and the potential shortage of aviation maintenance technicians. Candace shares travel tips and emphasizes the importance of not checking a bag.

Former Chairman & CEO of American Airlines, Doug Parker, discusses challenges facing the airline industry, the importance of consolidation, and CEOs' responsibility to employees and addressing social issues. The hosts analyze Frontier Airlines' year-long passes and pricing strategies for new routes. They also celebrate reaching 200 episodes and discuss the decision to use International Arrow engines for Spirit A319.

This week: Susan Carey, former Aviation Industry Reporter, The Wall Street Journal; JetBlue, Spirit earnings update; Southwest pilot compensation; Spirit and JetBlue shares drop, is need for merger increased? Listener Q's on checked/carry-on bag fees, discrepancies on data sources, and could reducing executive pay help relieve the pilot shortage?

This week: Colby Harvey, Founder/CEO, Ultraview; Alaska and other earnings; a Q3 softening coming? Southwest: RASM drops, higher labor costs, CEO Bob Jordan says demand is still very strong; United cuts flights at Newark; Avelo and Breeze operating results; Listener Q's re: Where to reinvest profits during good times; Charters in the US vs Europe.

This week: Jens Kuhlen, President North America, Gategroup; The hot topic of Delta 555; Positive earnings at American & United; AA matches United pilots new contract rates; House bill raising pilot retirement age goes to Senate; Listener Q's on Delta Amex loyalty program revenue; What are the benefits of the Air France-KLM Merger? Advice on meltdown mitigation?